There’s still time for your Valentine

Published: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 08:20 PM.

But last-minute gift seekers shouldn’t panic yet; flower Shop owner Shirley Whittle said Wednesday there are still plenty of roses to go around.

“We have plenty of flowers and we’re still filling orders up until the last minute,” said Whittle, owner of Callaway Country Florist.

Although Whittle recommends those Valentine procrastinators pick up flowers at the store, employees will still be taking delivery orders throughout the day today. She said those interested in sending a bouquet should call the shop early to make sure a delivery time can be set up.

“We’ll be delivering all day from 7 a.m. until dark,” Whittle said. “The big problem is people are going to wait until the last minute and walk in with a special order.”

Whittle has been a florist for more than 40 years and has operated her store in Panama City for the last 27. She said another challenge comes from no wholesale florist in the area; the closest dealers are in Dothan and Enterprise, Ala. and Tallahassee.

She said Valentine’s Day is always the busiest holiday because it leaves employees scrambling to deliver hundreds of bouquets in one day, whereas other holidays like Mother’s Day tend to spread delivery requests out a bit more.

But last-minute gift seekers shouldn’t panic yet; flower Shop owner Shirley Whittle said Wednesday there are still plenty of roses to go around.

“We have plenty of flowers and we’re still filling orders up until the last minute,” said Whittle, owner of Callaway Country Florist.

Although Whittle recommends those Valentine procrastinators pick up flowers at the store, employees will still be taking delivery orders throughout the day today. She said those interested in sending a bouquet should call the shop early to make sure a delivery time can be set up.

“We’ll be delivering all day from 7 a.m. until dark,” Whittle said. “The big problem is people are going to wait until the last minute and walk in with a special order.”

Whittle has been a florist for more than 40 years and has operated her store in Panama City for the last 27. She said another challenge comes from no wholesale florist in the area; the closest dealers are in Dothan and Enterprise, Ala. and Tallahassee.

She said Valentine’s Day is always the busiest holiday because it leaves employees scrambling to deliver hundreds of bouquets in one day, whereas other holidays like Mother’s Day tend to spread delivery requests out a bit more.

“Everybody wants it on one day,” Whittle said. “The biggest thing is trying to get around Panama City.”

Floral designer Judy Wright also said there will be no shortage of orders at Hallmark Flower Shoppe in Panama City on Valentine’s Day.